Christmas Makes Me Cry

Christmas Makes Me Cry
By Mandisa

I think of loved ones who’ve passed away
And I pray they’re resting in a better place
I think of memories of years gone by
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

I think of soldiers across the sea
Sometimes I wonder why it’s them instead of me
But for my freedom they give their lives
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

I think of family, I think of home
And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone
‘Cause love can reach out into a silent night
And that’s why Christmas makes me cry

Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

I think of Mary and the virgin birth
And I’m amazed by how much God thinks we are worth
That He would send His only Son to die
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

Tears of faithfulness and tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me
Oh, sometimes Christmas makes me
Christmas makes me cry

I love this song. For me, Christmas is such an emotional time. I think of Misael, who gets very little for Christmas. I think of all the people in need. I've been blessed to be in charge of the Walmart tree this year, giving gifts to those that are less fortunate. I also pity myself, and wish that Christmas at my house could be like it used to be. Yet, somehow, Christmas makes me so happy. This time of year is so important for Christians. Not only because we are celebrating the birth of our Savior, but because we are even more of a witness to others this time of year. Look at the lyrics...think about the lyrics. What part speaks to you? What part makes you sad? Makes you happy? Let this song speak to you. Pray for those that spend this time alone. Do a good deed. Make someone smile. Open up. Pray. Be thankful for all you have. Smile often. Be a witness.

Thanksgiving

One of the most difficult things about going to Nicaragua wasn't actually going to Nicaragua..it was coming home. Coming home and seeing all that I have and all that I take for granted. Let me tell ya, taking away simple pleasures like a toilet changes a person! ;) But seriously, I remember the first time I went into a fast food restaurant back in the states...I broke into tears. Why? Because people in Nica don't have food at all...I can walk in, pick what I want off a menu of 100+ items, and have it within 5 minutes. In Nica, I saw kids digging through the trash for scraps...I saw them eating my leftovers. I was hurting. Walking into my 4-bedroom 2-bath house that me and my mother only live in hurt. It took me so much to be able to be thankful for what I had and not mad. When I came home (July) I had to wear jackets in the house because I wasn't used to air conditioning! Haha. That's another thing...I promised myself I would never say, "I'm hot" again. They don't have air. I do. So, I challenge you this Thanksgiving to go above and beyond. Don't just say "I'm thankful for family". Duh, we all are. But think about the little things that we take for granted. Like air conditioning, a toilet, toilet paper, food, etc. The people of Nica are the most thankful people I've ever met...and they don't have much to be thankful for!
Today, I am thankful for all the beautiful people I met in Nica that forever changed my life. They make me a better person every day. They have shown me my calling. I am especially thankful for Misael. Honestly, I hardly go a day without thinking about him. He's like my own kid...he makes everyday worth living because I know someday (hoping for this summer) we will be reunited again. Every morning when I wake up, his smiling face is the first thing I see. (His pic is my lock screen on my phone) I am so thankful for the things and people God has put in my life. What are you thankful for today?

Love

Hey guys! I'm sorry it's been so long since I last posted. Its been a hectic couple of weeks! I do have a larger post or two that you should see in the near future!

A friend showed me this video and I thought it would be great to pass along. He is an example to us all of what real love is. Men:  learn from his example.

Click on "Watch the video!" and it should pop up in a new window!

Watch the video!

The Power of Prayer

Gandhi once said, "Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action."

Wow. That's all I can say. Couldn't have put it any better.

If you are at all familiar with Casting Crowns, you may have heard their song, "What If His People Prayed." That song is based off of 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways. I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."

So, what is prayer? According to the dictionary, prayer is "a spiritual communication with God or an object of worship, as in thanksgiving, adoration, or confession."

James 5:13-16 says:
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call all the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

So what does that tell us? It tells us to pray. It seems simple, right? It says to rejoice in the good times, and pray in our times of need.
Who do you go to when you have a problem? A boyfriend/girlfriend? Youth leader? Parent? Friend? Why not go to God first? So much of the time we want a direct answer...we want the easy way out. He wants us to come to Him. Even if you aren't going to sit down and "discuss" your problems with Him, you can simply pray that whomever you are going to for advice gives you what you need. I know personally that I've never prayed for whomever I'm taking my problems to.

Prayer is something that I constantly struggle with in my faith walk. I always seem to forget. I don't force it to be a habit. I didn't grow up in a family that prayed before meals...or even together for that matter. I just always seem to forget to pray.
A few years back a youth leader gave me this idea and I do it whenever I feel like I'm hitting a dry patch when it comes to my prayer life.
I get a bracelet (it can be yarn tied around your arm) or a ring. Simple, eh? Every time I look at that bracelet or ring, I pray. I stop whatever I'm doing and sit in silent prayer. Even if its just for a second. Simple as that.

Blessings,

Faith

P.S.-I would love to hear your ideas. Your opinions on what I post or thoughts for upcoming posts. You are always welcome to comment on here, email me, send me a Facebook message, or text me. Your thoughts, opinions, and prayers are always welcome!

The Proof of Your Love

"The Proof Of Your Love"

If I sing but don't have love
I waste my breath with every song
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise
If I speak with a silver tongue
Convince a crowd but don't have love
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say

So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

If I give To a needy soul but don't have love then who is poor?
It seems all the poverty is found in me

So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
Oh, let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

When it's all said and done
When we sing our final song
Only love remains
Only love remains

Let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

This song, by For King & Country really spoke to me.

"If I give To a needy soul but don't have love then who is poor?
It seems all the poverty is found in me"

This song says that we can give to others all day long, but we are nothing if we don't have love. How humbling is that? It says that OUR life should prove His love. That is so true. WE are to live like him. WE are to show Him through our LOVE. 

This reminds me a lot of Nicaragua (yes, everything reminds me of Nica, I know...). Anyway, as many of you know, I fell in love with a kid named Misael. But he wasnt the only kid I fell in love with. There was a group that hung around me. Misael and Jairo being my favorites, plus some ADORABLE four-year-olds, and plenty more. Anyway, I stuck with them all week. I showed them LOVE. Most of the kids I hung around had great parents, not rich, but provided them with all they had. Even though these kids got love at home, they were so gracious of the love I gave them. Although this was a Christian-based mission trip, I didn't speak of Jesus much to the kids. They went to the children's church and learned, but I myself didn't do much teaching. One of the kids asked for a bible, and I found one for him, but thats about it. I just showed them love. On the last day, Misael wrote me a note, it said "I give thanks to God for bringing you here. I thank you for loving me, and I love you too. I hope we can meet again someday in this beautiful place." He learned about God...he saw God...not by be talking about it, but by me showing him God's love. 

We can change people's minds about God, not by pushing it down their throat, but by showing them God's unconditional love.

Perfection

While on my latest trip to Nicaragua, I got a quote from my prayer partner that has since stuck with me:

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone that will never be able to repay you."
-John Wooden

So, how many perfect days have you lived?
That quote is so deep for me. It reminds me that everyday I should be doing His will. Not just once a week, or on a mission trip. Everyday I should do something for someone. Something bold. Something courageous. Something humble. Something life-changing.
A perfect day isn't about wearing a cute outfit and having fun. Instead, its about doing something for someone else.

Blessings,
Faith

Hot Chocolate

I found this story and fell in love...

"A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired.  During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives.  Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.  While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate.  In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups.  They are just tools to hold and contain life.  The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life  you have.  Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us.  God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don't have the best of everything.  They just make the best of everything that they have."


This story couldn't have put it any better. 

"But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from true faith and pierced themselves with true sorrow."

1 Timothy 5: 9-10

Profile Picture

My boss made a comment to me the other day that has made me think. He said, "Your [Facebook] profile picture is the picture you think you look the best in."

That made me think about my Facebook profile picture. In it I have no makeup on, an off-brand t-shirt and a long, modest skirt...both of which were bought at the thrift store. 

For some reason or another, I subconsciously thought that was my best picture. But why? I began going through other pictures on my profile and began to pick out some that I thought I looked good in. Keep in mind that I am a teenage girl...I am very critical of myself; meaning I only chose a few pictures that I thought I looked good in. I picked about 7 that I liked. Out of those 7 pictures, I tried to find a common ground. I found that in all 7 I was without makeup and in crappy clothes. If I were to take a picture right now without makeup on, I would find 1,267,506 things I disliked about the picture. So why were these 7 pictures (without makeup) so liked? I found another common ground...all 7 pictures were from one of my trips to Nicaragua. 

So, its not that I was dressed up, wearing tons of makeup and my hair done...it was a picture that in it I was genuinely happy. I had a huge, natural smile, and a natural look. I was where God wanted me; I was doing His will. I wasn't worried about what I had on, or what my hair looked like. I was serving His people. As much as I try, there is no way I can have a more genuine smile in a picture. That's what I want to portray in my profile picture...that I couldn't be happier doing His will. 

1 Samuel 16:7 says, "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"

Time

Nowadays time is such an important resource. I wish there was more time in the day...but in reality, if there was, I'd just have more things I would have to get done. Time to me is more important than money. I would rather give you $5 than five minutes of my time. There are so many things I could get done in those five minutes. Maybe you are the same way with your time? My time is so precious to me and so often I forget to share that time with God. I'm so caught up with this paper I have to write (speaking of which I have a 10-pager due soon...any takers??) or this meeting I have to go to, or my friends I want to hang out with that I forget to spend a moment with God every day. I've slacked SO much on that lately, especially since school has started back. God isn't a priority in my life right now, and I need to make Him one. I need to remember to constantly be in prayer with Him, to ask for His guidance, to immerse myself in the Word, and to take a moment to count each of my blessings.
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?   What would you have?


On a side note, I want to add a little story.
This week many iPhone's had a glitch that made the alarms go off an hour earlier and such. Mine was one of the lucky ones to do that. Let me tell you, I was TICKED to find out it was 5:50 and I was awake when I didn't have to be. But a friend kindly reminded me that I'm blessed to have an alarm clock, blessed to have a job/school to have to wake up for, and most importantly, blessed to wake up in general. We take so much for granted here in America. So, maybe work sucks, or you have this really sucky paper you have to write...but at least you have a job, and you are able to go to school.

Changing Times, Changing Plans

Proverbs 16:9 says:
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Naturally as humans we plan. We want to go to this college, get married at this age,  have kids at this age & so on. Our plans for our future are so detailed that we leave no room for God to step in and make adjustments. Quite frankly, we make no room for God in general.
And then, when we don't get accepted to that school we wanted, or we don't get married when we want, we blame God.
We blame God, when in reality he is directing us to better things. He has a plan for us...we just need to include Him in our plans.
So, stop. Stop worrying about the future and live in the present. If you're too busy living in the future, you'll miss out on ways to serve Him in the present.

Pesky People

Have you ever been bitten by a mosquito? They are so annoying and itch like crazy! I just hate them! I see no way that they add value to my life. I did some research and found out that they are the deadliest insect on earth. So why do we need them? What good are they? Actually, they are very important: they help pollinate plants and spread bacteria. Although that doesn't seem like much, without these pesky insects some animal populations would go extinct and there would be an enormous adverse affect on the ecosystem.

But what does this have to do with us? Have you had a person in your life that's like a mosquito? Someone that's annoying and seem like they add no value to your life? Anybody you wish would move away and never come back? Just like the mosquito, they do matter, and they are a part of His plan. In 1 Corinthians it says:

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.  Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.  If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body.  And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.  How strange a body would be if it had only one part!  Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.  The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.  And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen,  while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.  This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.  If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. "
-1 Corinthians 12:12-28

We all have people in our life that we consider a mosquito. But consider that they are also a part of the body. The body for Christ.

Having all the Answers

I often write devotionals. Both for me, my friends, or my youth group. I found this one I wrote this past November on having all the answers...something I so often struggle with.

It feels good to have the answers. And if we don't have an answer, we can find out all we want to know instantly thanks to Google.
But some things-like faith-can't be instantly explained. We all have doubts. And sometimes, when we search for answers, the ones we find don't make sense.
Let's just admit it:  sometimes Christian faith feels shaky at best. Sometimes we Jesus-followers feel a lot like Thomas who declared, "I won't believe unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my finger into them and place my hand into the wound on his side" --John 20:25

On the outside we are confident in our faith, but inside we are desperate for proof. But is seeing always believing? Are your doubts genuine or are they a way of keeping you at a comfortable distance away from the risky, courageous way of living Jesus wants from you?
Can you believe in the middle of doubt? Can you say "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief" like in Mark 9:24 when a man was shaky in his belief?


Blessings,
Faith

Time Flies!

This morning I went over to my grandmother's and had some quality time with my aunt, Cole, and baby Kendall. Kendall is growing up! She is 3 weeks old and trying her best to hold her head up! Babies are such blessings!

Well, I got my schedule for Senior year FINALLY figured out (it took almost 3 hours at the high school to get this done!!) First Semester I have 2 college classes (YNL 290 & SPA 202) then mentoring (a "do-nothing" class) then Business Law/Economics. So, Im pretty excited about it!! Second semester I have 3 college classes (SPA 301, ENG 105, & MAT 140) and Honors English at the high school. Although I have two English classes in one day, I think I'll be fine. Overall, I am pleased with my schedule. I shall have between 35-40 college credit hours before I graduate. 

Yet again, I'm trying to focus on the present. It's so difficult for me, though. I feel like I know what I want in life, but am being held back by schooling. I feel like such a child saying that I'm a senior in high school. I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things. And applying for colleges and such is not helping my senioritis. 

School starts on Tuesday. Holy Cow. I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer. Anyway, wish me luck!! (P.S.--Our senior shirts are CRAZY CUTE!!!)  :)

Big Summer

Sorry its been so long since I've posted...its been a busy summer!

Well, I went to Hilton Head since I last posted--that seems like so long ago!! It was so much fun! A week of food, parasailing, laying out on the beach, swimming in the pool, seeing gators, dolphins, and manatees! It was a much-needed vacation!

The day I left for Nicaragua my little cousin was born (Cole's little sister). It was overwhelming, but I'm so glad I got to see her before I left!!

My trip to Nicaragua was a success. Our group worked with masons to build a house for a family that didnt have one. The family was so incredibly grateful to have a home the size of my bedroom. It was a unique, hard, glorifying experience. Although the experience and the place was completely different than last year, it was life-changing. We built the very small, one room house in 3 days. We worked hard, and without power tools. We stayed at a school, and therefore had plenty of time to play with the kids. I was overwhelmed by the mason's love for learning English, and quickly became the English teacher for the week, having English lessons on practically every break we got! We ate our body weight in rice and beans throughout the week, and had a unique shower and bathroom experience! Haha! ---If you want to see pictures of my trip, head to my facebook, or the facebook of Amanda Lough or Jennifer Riley-- God has opened so many doors for me in Nicaragua (kinda entangled, therefore very hard to explain). I know that my purpose is to go shine a light in Nicaragua, and I absolutely cannot wait to move there. I have people down there that are willing to help me and get me on my feet...which is a complete blessing. God has put just the right people in my journey. My heart is still in Cuapa, though, and that is where I plan to make my nest. Only a few short years until I'm fulfilling my calling. I cannot wait! <3

As for my next mission trips, I would love to go to Costa Rica in December with a group called Rice & Beans. Of course, this will only happen if its what God wants...because I sure do not have the money resources. And I also have a trip lined up with Exile International with a girl by the name of Bethany Haley to the Congo (yes, I do know it is one of the most dangerous countries in the world). There, we will help war-affected children (yes, KONY work...). Yet again, this trip is by the grace of God. Im doing my fair share of praying to see where He wants me. And, if you would like to donate to these wonderful trips, you are definitely welcome ;)

As for the rest of my summer, it has been filled with work, Senior pictures, college planning, getting ready for school to start, etc. Senior pictures should be done sometime next week and I'm excited to see them. These pictures are one of those things that seems so surreal...seems like only yesterday I was a Freshman. Ah, college planning. Well, I should have about 40 hours down before my Freshman year...I'm pretty proud. I'm taking 2-3 classes this fall and 3 in the spring at MSU. I plan to apply to four colleges:  Murray State, UT Martin, Transylvania, and University of North Carolina. Most applications and even scholarships are due Nov-Dec, therefore I'm already overwhelmed and I can't even start yet! Haha. Oh, and the fact that I'm moving out in less than a year kinda makes me crazy!! Life is moving at the speed of light!

My goal for this school year is to slow down. This year is the last year of me being a "kid". I need to focus on Him...how much he has blessed me. I need to get myself knee-deep in the word, and let everything I do glorify Him. I need to slow down and focus on all the things He has blessed me with.

Blessings,

Faith

Lakeshore Next Week!

Sunday, I leave on my journey to counsel at Lakeshore.  Being a mentor and counselor for these little ones is MORE than a blessing. I'm blessed to be able to do this...it's such a great experience.  I remember being an elementary camper...those are times you never forget. I am actually still in touch with my VC. So, to be a counselor and change lives is amazing.  I will be counseling the Elementary Music and Drama Camp, being accompanied by the DD (Developmentally Disabled) Camp. I've begun packing and I went yesterday to fine-tune some of the details. I am so excited! I can't wait to return with more details and stories. Prayers are welcomed!

Summer Jobs

I currently have 3 summer jobs. The first at Tropics Tanning, my employer since freshman year. Although Tropics has transferred ownership, its new owner, Matt Rowe has let me keep my job. Right now, I am not working many hours there because of renovations, but he promised me great hours once we get back up and running. I also am employed at Thurmond Insurance, working two days a week. And I just got hired as a summer babysitter! With these wonderful jobs and my time at Lakeshore, I am sure to have a great summer! I am beyond blessed!

Nicaragua

So, I figured I'd share a little about my upcoming trip to Nicaragua. First, let me talk about last year's trip.  I went with BMDMI through a group in Kentucky. It was a medical/dental mission and I did mostly veterinary work and family photos. It was a life changing experience! It was with a baptist group, so things went a little differently than I believed...but absolutely amazing nonetheless. The trip showed me my outstanding passion for missions and confirmed my love of traveling; showing me that being a missionary is the perfect job for me. This summer's trip is July 1-8 with a company called Bridges to Community; we will be traveling to the city of Masaya. This trip is more hands-on as we will be building a house for a family. Although this trip will be completely different from my last one, I am still super excited and cannot wait to see what God has in store for me! Your prayers are welcomed and greatly appreciated!

Summer 2012

Ah! I've completed my Junior year! How exciting! My Senior year feels like it has already begun...planning for my three Murray State classes, planning my senior trip, applying for scholarships, and choosing the right college! Such a stressful time!

My summer is filled with Lakeshore (church camp) counseling, vacationing to Hilton Head Island, SC, a trip to Nicaragua, and more Lakeshore counseling! And, I assume the rest of my free time will be spent at the golf course with Jordan. HA!

Why a blog?

Ah, so I've created this blog for multiple reasons. First, as a way to share with loved ones afar what is going on in my life.  Second, to share my thoughts and feelings, and third to share my love for Christ, in hopes that it may brighten somebody's day.

My posts will be about whatever is on my mind...so get ready! Often about my faith, and my Christian walk, as well as some devotionals and just random things going on in my life.

To understand me...okay, thats impossible. HA! Anyway, I'm sure that I will reference a boy named "Misael in many of my posts.  Well, let me give you the run down...Last summer (2011) I went to Cuapa, Nicaragua on a mission trip.  My life was forever changed by this wonderful place.  I saw how truly blessed I was and I knew that instant what I wanted to do the rest of my life. The people, the culture...all perfect. The preacher of Cuapa had two sons, one of which was Misael.  He was the most adorable child you could ever meet.  He loved hugs, he yearned for attention, he needed God's love, and he so badly wanted to learn English.  He was so helpful...carrying my things from one place to another. He was my buddy for the week; everywhere I went, there was Misael. I cannot begin to describe to you how my life and faith was changed not only by the country, but by Misael. I plan on visiting him next summer. Anyway, this trip changed my life. As soon as I graduate college, the plan is to sell everything and move to Cuapa, Nicaragua to become an English teacher at the local school: my dream job.